Caper: benefit and harm to the body

In cooking, many different products are used. One of the amazing supplements are capers. They are flower buds and are widely used in Western Europe. Today they are gaining popularity in Russia.

What are capers and how do they look

Caper are flower buds. They differ in olive color and small size, are used as an additive to the dish and are not the main product.

They gained their fame in ancient Greece. The product has been used by humans as an aperitif. Capers have a slightly spicy, spicy and tart taste. Most of all in their taste and aroma, they resemble mustard. This similarity is due to the content in them of a sufficient amount of mustard oil.

Capers are used in the Mediterranean countries as a remedy for headaches, pain in joints, nodular goiter, diseases of the spleen and liver. Thus, capers are widely used for medical purposes.

What is the difference between olives

In their appearance, capers are very similar to olives. But these are completely different products. Olives are called unripe fruits that grow on an olive tree. In the store they can be found in canned form. The olives are greenish in color and taste bitter-sharp. They are used as a snack or seasoning for salads and soups.

Capers are still unopened flowers of a bush that grows mainly in Central Asia, the Caucasus and the Crimea. They are used only in pickled form as an additive to salads and various dishes.

Composition and calorie content

Caper today are gaining popularity in Russia. This is due to the fact that their composition includes many trace elements, and they are able to provide invaluable benefits for the body.

As part of the capers are present:

1. Choline. Known for its ability to repair the liver. It helps to slow down the process of weight gain with improper nutrition, is a prevention of the development of urolithiasis. In addition, without choline, vitamin A is not absorbed well enough.
2. Calcium and phosphorus. These two trace elements play an important role in the body - they participate in the structure of bone tissue. With their failure, the risk of pathological fractures increases. In addition, phosphorus is necessary for energy transfer, and calcium regulates muscle tissue contraction.
3. Iron. The substance is involved in the process of hematopoiesis. With its lack, anemia occurs.
4. Potassium. Participates in the proper functioning of the myocardium.
5. Iodine. A trace element is necessary for the thyroid gland to function. Its deficiency leads to disruption of the organ and the emergence of quite dangerous diseases of the endocrine system.
6. Sodium. It is necessary to maintain a normal water-salt balance. In addition, it is required for the normal production of adrenaline in sufficient quantities.
7. Vitamin C. It is necessary to maintain immunity and takes an active part in the oxidative as well as reducing processes that occur in the body.
8. Vitamin A. The antioxidant, which is not only necessary for vision, but also helps to improve the condition of the skin, slows down age-related changes.
9. Vitamins of group B. This is a fairly large group, which includes several vitamins. All of them take part in all processes of the body.They are necessary to maintain the normal functioning of the nervous system, protect the body from stress.

The capers also contain zinc, selenium, vitamins PP, E, K, copper and manganese. A similar composition allows the use of capers not only for culinary purposes. Since ancient times, they have been widely used for medical purposes to treat a number of diseases, relieve pain, inflammation and improve the general condition. In addition, capers can also be used as an additive to dishes, subject to a diet for weight loss. Calorie content of the product is 23 kcal per 100 g.

What are useful capers

General benefit

They have gained popularity in Western Europe, as they bring invaluable benefits to the body and have an impact on many systems. Useful properties of capers:

1. Normalization of blood sugar. They include fiber. Due to its presence, the process of glucose uptake is slowed down. Thus, blood sugar levels are maintained throughout the day. Studies have shown that capers have antidiabetic properties and help reduce glucose in the presence of diabetes. Thus, the use of capers can reduce glucose even in other foods.
2. Maintaining blood coagulation. The product contains vitamin K, which takes part in the process of blood coagulation. It also helps to prevent bleeding, activate the process of regeneration of soft tissues and accelerate the healing of small wounds and cuts.
3. Removal of inflammation. The inflammatory process is a reaction of the body's defenses to the influence of a number of factors. The use of capers helps to slow down the development of cancerous tumors, diabetes mellitus and diseases of the heart system. Due to its properties, capers can reduce the inflammatory process. They include antioxidants, which helps to eliminate inflammation.
4. Strengthening bone tissue. The capers contain calcium and magnesium, which are the basis of bones. Magnesium supports the proper functioning of muscle tissue, preventing the appearance of cramps.
5. Maintenance of the liver. The composition of the capers contains vitamins and minerals that take part in the liver, protecting it from the negative effects of a number of factors. In addition, due to the presence of antioxidants, harmful substances are eliminated from the body, which significantly reduces the burden on the organ.
6. Strengthening the vascular walls. Thanks to the incoming components, capers help maintain vascular tone, and calcium helps strengthen their walls.
7. Anesthetizing effect. In folk medicine, capers are used as an anesthetic and help relieve pain localized in the back.
8. Prevention of blood clots. They are formed as a result of excessive consumption of food containing large amounts of cholesterol. It settles on the walls of blood vessels and clogs them. Against the background of the ongoing process, blood circulation worsens, which leads to a stroke.
9. A positive effect on the functioning of the kidneys. Capers folk healers are used as a means of supporting the work of the kidneys. They also prevent the appearance of stones.
10. Help in the absorption of iodine. This trace element is necessary for the thyroid gland. Its insufficiency leads to disruption of the organ, which leads to the emergence of a number of diseases of the endocrine system.
11. Support for the nervous system. The capers contain substances that are necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system. Therefore, capers help reduce stress and serve as a preventive measure for the development of depressive states.

Thus, capers with proper use will help support the work of many organs and systems, will have a positive effect on the general condition of the body.

For women

The product contains vitamin A, which helps strengthen nails, hair and improve skin. The use of capers helps a woman to stay young for a long time and slow down the aging process.

For men

It is important for men to maintain the health of the heart system, musculoskeletal system and muscle tissue. This will help the regular use of capers. They include special substances that have a positive effect on these systems.

During pregnancy

Pregnant women can use capers, but in small quantities. They contain a sufficient amount of calcium, which is the building material of bone tissue. A trace element is necessary in this period for a woman and fetus in large quantities. Also, the product will help maintain immunity, which is quite important during pregnancy.

When breastfeeding

Breastfeeding also requires not only a certain diet, but also a constant replenishment of micronutrients and vitamins. Due to its composition, capers will help restore the level of all necessary substances, and will have a positive effect on the body.

But eat capers while breastfeeding with caution. The fact is that their use can cause an allergy in the baby. Enter them in the diet with caution.

For kids

Not all children love capers. But they will allow them to strengthen immunity, support the work of the brain. That is why they can and should be introduced into the child’s diet, but starting from the age of three.

Capers in rare cases can cause an allergic reaction. Children need to be given with a small portion as part of other dishes. In the absence of negative symptoms, such as a rash, redness, or itching, the serving can be increased. But in cases where after the use of capers, the child has an allergy, they should be abandoned for a while.

Among other things, capers contain a large amount of calcium and phosphorus. These microelements are necessary for the children's body to strengthen bone and muscle tissue. Thus, the product will bring invaluable benefits to the growing organism.

When losing weight

If you follow a diet aimed at losing weight, drinking capers will not hurt. They do not contain many calories. Also in their composition there is a trace element that promotes the breakdown of fat cells. Thanks to him, under the skin does not form a fatty layer.

Cooking Application

Capers are widely used in cooking. They are used as an additive to various dishes. They give them a unique taste and aroma. Capers today are used in almost all cuisines of the world, but are most common in the Mediterranean.

Often, unopened shrub buds are used for various sauces, such as tartar and tomato, and are added to make pizza. Capers are great for fish and vegetable dishes, for veal. Here are some of the most popular recipes for capers.

Tomato soup

It can be eaten without fear and when losing weight, using lean meat. To prepare it, you need such products:

• meat for the broth;
• two onions;
• 300 g of capers;
• 80 g of tomato paste;
• 100 g of sour cream;
• one third of lemon;
• two potatoes;
• salt to taste.

First of all, cook the broth. To do this, boil the meat until tender in 1.5 liters of water. Chop the onion and fry until golden brown in oil.When the broth is ready, add onion, tomato paste and pre-peeled and chopped potatoes. Boil everything until tender, then add capers and leave to boil for another 5 minutes. Serve soup with sour cream, a slice of lemon. You can add a little green. The soup turns out to be quite tasty, aromatic and useful enough for the body.

Mediterranean pasta

This pasta will be a great dinner or lunch for the whole family. To cook it, you need the following products:

• 350 g spaghetti;
• a handful of capers;
• 300 g tomato;
• half cans of olives;
• clove of garlic;
• oregano;
• vegetable oil.

Peel and finely chop the garlic in vegetable oil. Peel the tomatoes. To do this, pour boiling water over them. Then chop them and add to the garlic. Pour everything into a glass of water. Leave on the stove for 10 minutes, then add capers and olives. After 10 minutes add oregano, close the lid and remove from the stove. Boil spaghetti in salted water. Drain the water and put the spaghetti in a pan. Mix everything. Serve with greens and a little cheese.

Pizza

This dish is loved by many in Russia. Pizza helps to quickly get enough, great for a quick bite. But it is not always useful. The use of capers will help make the dish less nutritious and more useful. For cooking, you need such components:

• ready cake for pizza;
• tomatoes - 2 pieces;
• bulb;
• sausage - 400 g;
• ketchup;
• mayonnaise;
• capers - 300 g;
• cheese - 300 g.

Pizza cakes can be purchased ready-made. They are sold both frozen and chilled. The package most often has three pieces. Defrost cakes if necessary. Put on a baking sheet and coat with mayonnaise and ketchup. Put finely chopped onions, tomatoes and sausage on top. Also put a small amount of capers. Sprinkle everything with cheese and put in the oven for 10-15 minutes. It should be preheated to 180 degrees. You can use any sausage or replace it with boiled or smoked chicken. You can also add a small amount of fried mushrooms.

What can be replaced

Caper can not always be found on store shelves, as in Russia they are not quite common. If necessary, they can be replaced with olives or olives. These products are similar in taste.

In some cases, pickled green tomatoes may be used instead of capers.

Harm and contraindications

Despite all the benefits, capers can not always be eaten. In some cases, they can harm the body.

First of all, they can not be eaten with diseases of the urinary system in the acute stage. This is due to the fact that the composition of pickled capers includes a large amount of salt. It retains water in the body and provokes tissue swelling. This loads the urinary system.

Also, pickled capers should be eaten with great care during pregnancy, as their excessive use can cause swelling, which is a dangerous condition for the baby.

Unopened buds are not recommended for people suffering from drops in blood pressure. The thing is that they include substances that contribute to a decrease in blood pressure, which leads to a deterioration in well-being.

Contraindications to the use of capers are peptic ulcer, gastritis or high acidity. Also, the product is not recommended for use in the presence of diseases of the digestive system and flatulence or a tendency to it.

How to choose and store

Capers can be purchased today in almost any chain supermarket.They are packed in small sized glass jars. Here are some guidelines for choosing a quality product:

1. Before buying, check the integrity of the banks. Also, the lid should fit snugly.
2. Pay attention to the expiration date. It should not expire very soon.
3. Caper can have a different size. It depends on the variety, but does not affect the taste. Better to choose based on your own preferences.
4. It is better to refuse to purchase large enough capers. The thing is that often they give nasturtium for capers. You can only distinguish them by size.
5. In salted capers, the brine should be white, but not yellow. It is better to refuse to purchase such a product.

Keep capers in tightly closed packaging for a year. But an open jar can be left in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days. This is the only way to keep the product fresh.

Do not use capers if their expiration date is expired. This can harm the body and cause poisoning.

How to make capers from nasturtium seeds

Nasturtium is a plant that is distinguished by bright inflorescences and branched stems. The flower can be found today in almost any garden plot, as many gardeners liked it.

Nasturtium seeds can be used instead of capers, as they have a similar taste, aroma, appearance and smell. Before use, they are also pickled or salted.

When capers are absent, they can be replaced with pickled nasturtium seeds. The product will not differ in taste. There are several recipes:

Recipe number 1

The following components will be required:

• nasturtium seeds in an amount of 300 g;
• granulated sugar - 50 g;
• salt - 2 teaspoons;
• liter of water;
• 6% vinegar - 1 tablespoon.

Peppers and a laurel leaf to taste will also be required.

First, prepare the marinade. To do this, pour water into the pan, bring it to a boil and add sugar and salt. Then add bay leaf, pepper and vinegar. Everything should boil for 5 minutes. In still boiling marinade, lower the seeds of nasturtium, allow to boil and remove from heat. After cooling, pour everything into banks, tighten the lids. Banks put in a cold place for 3 weeks. So the seeds will marinate completely.

Recipe number 2

This recipe is used if you want to pickle green seeds. To do this, you need the following components:

• 200 grams of nasturtium;
• a teaspoon of salt;
• 6% vinegar.

Put the seeds in a pan and add salt. Leave everything for one day to salting. During this time, the seeds should be mixed regularly. After a day, put everything in jars and pour vinegar. Close lids and remove for 21 days. At the end of this time, drain the vinegar, and pour the marinade instead. To prepare it, boil 1 liter of water, add sugar and salt, pepper, bay leaf and a small amount of vinegar. Also, instead of vinegar, you can use red currant brushes.

Recipe number 3

This is a fairly simple recipe that will allow you to get pickled nasturtium seeds that have not yet ripened. First you need to make a marinade. To do this, pour 0.5 l of water into the pan, bring it to a boil. Then add a tablespoon of sugar and salt, 25 ml of wine vinegar. Fill the fruits of nasturtium in glass jars and pour the finished solution. Everything should be pickled for 3 weeks.

Is it possible to eat capers just like that

Capers need to be eaten only in a salty or pickled form. You can’t eat them raw. In raw form, they are used only in pharmacies in order to obtain an extract for the preparation of medicines.

In cooking, capers are only pickled or salted. They are great for making soups, salads, pizza and main dishes. Salted capers, before eating, it is recommended to rinse in running water. This will help remove excess salt.After this procedure, the product can be consumed in small quantities and with urolithiasis.

For cold appetizers and salads, it is best to use medium and large size capers. They play the role of decoration more. Small seeds are more suitable for preparing hot dishes.

But it is important to remember that when exposed to high temperature they lose their taste. That is why they are added to the dish 5 minutes before full readiness.

At the very beginning of cooking, they can be added only to stew or soup. Capers in this case give their flavor to other ingredients, while completely losing their taste.

Interesting facts about capers

Unopened buds of the bush are not so popular in Russia, but they are widely used in the cuisine of Central Asia and Central European countries.

Here are some interesting caper facts that few know:

1. It was capers that were originally part of the well-known Olivier salad. Today, pickles are used in their place, as they are more accessible and in their taste slightly resemble capers.
2. In unopened buds of a bush there is a large amount of sodium. To lower its level, capers need to be soaked for some time in water. You can also use olive oil for these purposes.
3. Not only the buds of the shrub are useful, but also its leaves, as well as the roots. Many years ago they were used to treat diseases of the cardiovascular system and pathologies of the thyroid gland. Based on them, medicinal tinctures and decoctions were made.
4. Capers contain a sufficient amount of fiber, fats and protein, which has invaluable benefits for the body and saturates it with these substances. Fiber is especially helpful. It contributes to the digestive process, supporting the functioning of the organs of the system.
5. Unopened buds of the shrub contain quercetin. This substance is an excellent prevention of oncology, as it prevents the development of cancer cells. In addition, it has a positive effect on the condition of the skin.

Caper is a unique product. It is great as an additive to various dishes and has a positive effect on the body.

Unopened buds of prickly shrubs, when used correctly, will bring invaluable benefits to the body. They contain a huge amount of trace elements and vitamins that are necessary for the normal, proper operation of all systems and organs.

It is important not to abuse capers, especially in the presence of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, urolithiasis and during pregnancy, as this can harm the body.

Capers photo